Phil Palmer has spent three years painting the wildlife native to Keller Lake. He mostly sees waterfowl, but other animals scurry out of the reeds or dart across the lawn of the 40-acre Clark Retirement Community campus where he lives.

Get ready to savor the splendor of French cuisine right here in Grand Rapids. JW Marriott’s restaurant, six.one.six, is transforming into a French bistro with new menu offerings of curated French cuisine.

I imagine, as with any effective parable that taps into universal themes, one does not require prior knowledge of Jonah and the Big Fish, nor of “Moby-Dick,” to connect with similar lessons brought forth in Samuel D. Hunter’s play “The Whale” — but a little context might enrich the experience.

If you thought you were too old to get excited about seeing the ice cream truck cruising the streets, think again. Furniture City Creamery has purchased a vintage truck and will be taking its frozen treats around Grand Rapids this summer, so get ready to feel that joy once more.

Earth Day is Sunday, so GR|MAG talked with West Michigan Environmental Action Council (WMEAC) Executive Director Bill Wood about how his organization is making positive changes in West Michigan. He also had some suggestions for how everyone can pitch in through taking small actions.

Grand Rapids should be thawing out this weekend after last weekend’s ice storm, so it’s the perfect time to unfold yourself from the couch and change out of your sweats. The Beatle’s Tribute Band will be in town playing tunes from 1964 at DeVos Performance Hall, while Akeelah & the Bee opens at Grand Rapids Civic Theatre.